Armed with this invaluable information, you can eliminate future health risks by carefully planning a life-long diet, exercise, supplement and general wellbeing plan that works to keep at bay the diseases to which you are susceptible.

DNA | Diet

Have you ever followed a diet to the letter and not seen the benefits? The answer to that question is probably yes, as everybody is different, and there is no universal diet that works for everyone.

One of the first products of its kind in the world, DNA | Diet is a test designed to help you manage your weight in a healthy and effective way. It does this by giving you and your healthcare practitioner the information you need to design a personalised weight management plan based on your genetic makeup.

DNA | Diet tests several well-researched gene variations that impact metabolism, absorption and storage of fats and carbohydrates, as well as eating behaviour. Research shows that everyone responds differently to different food combinations and there isn’t one correct way of eating for everyone.

With the information gleaned from your DNA | Diet test, you can understand how your body will respond to the three most effective healthy eating plans. i.e. Low Fat, Mediterranean, and Low Carbohydrate. Once we have your results, we will provide a detailed report with recommendations that include dietary changes and an exercise programme.

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Sample reports

The science behind these DNA reports

Once the DNAlysis lab receives your DNA sample, they use a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) to copy the DNA in your genes many times over, so that they have ample material with which to analyse your genetic material. They then look for unique DNA sequences in your genes, and if they spot changes from the norm, they mark those as risk factors.

Over the years, they have noticed who people that show variations in the gene markers involved in carcinogen metabolism, metabolism of steroid hormones and detoxification, are often part of a subpopulation of women and men with higher lifetime exposure to estrogens, estrogen metabolites and other carcinogens.

By understanding this connection and your unique genetic variability, they can make a holistic assessment of your risks associated with inefficient estrogen detox and provide practical advice on how to reduce these risks.

Understanding genetics

It may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but genetic testing is a powerful health tool that can give you a deep understanding of how your body works.

At the heart of it is the molecule DNA. Every single cell in our bodies – from our heart to skin, blood and bone – contains a complete set of our DNA. This powerful molecule carries our genetic code and determines all manner of traits, from our eye colour to aspects of our personalities and, of course, our health.

Interestingly, 99.9% of the DNA from two people is identical. It’s the other 0.1% of DNA code sequences that make us unique.

What are genes?

Genes are segments of DNA that contain the instructions your body needs to make each of the many thousands of proteins required for life. Each gene is comprised of thousands of combinations of ‘letters’ which make up your genetic code. The code gives the instructions to make the proteins required for proper development and function.

What are gene variations?

An example of a genetic variation is that one ‘letter’ may be replaced by another. These variations can lead to changes in the resulting proteins being made. For example, a ‘C’ may be changed to a ‘G’ at a point in the genetic code. When the variation affects only one genetic ‘letter’ it is called a 'Single Nucleotide Polymorphism', or 'SNP' (pronounced “snip”).

Variations can however also affect more than one ‘letter’. Genetic tests look at specific chromosomes, genes or proteins, and the variations that occur within them, to make observations about disease or disease risk, body processes or physical traits.

Are gene variations bad?

In general, variations should not be considered good or bad. Rather, genetic variations are simply slight differences in the genetic code. The key is to know which form of the variation you carry so that you can make appropriate lifestyle choices. And that is the beauty of genetic testing. It can tell you more about the way you're built so that you can tailor your lifestyle to fit your biology.